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Awareness
Explore upcoming mental health and brain health awareness events below
Stress Awareness Month
April
National Stress Awareness Month is celebrated each April to increase awareness about the negative impact of stress and techniques and treatments for managing stress. Both acute and chronic stress can cause and exacerbate a variety of health problems. Therefore, it's important to understand how to recognize and manage stress to promote overall mental and physical well-being.
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Here are some ways you can help minimize stress during this Stress Awareness Month:​
1. Excercise for at least 30 minutes a day
2. Utilize relaxation techniques (ex. meditation)
3. Get adequate sleep
4. Eat a balanced diet that avoids excess sugar
5. Get involved in your community (ex. volunteering)
6. Schedule time to take care of yourself
7. Spend time outside!
8. Make time for your hobbies and activities that allow you to unwind
9. Limit screen and social media time
10. Ask for help when you need it
Self-Harm Awareness Month
March
Did you know that the average age for the onset of self-harming behaviors is between 12 and 15 years old? Or that approximately 17% of adolescents experience self-harm? This March, we observe Self-Harm Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and show support for those affected by self-harm, whether they are currently struggling or have been in the past. Self-harm is any deliberate, non-suicidal act of inflicting physical pain on oneself to cope with emotional distress. The most common forms include cutting, burning, scratching, and hitting. As we reflect on this important month, let’s continue to foster understanding, compassion, and support for those facing these challenges.​
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Warning Signs of Self-Harm​
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Repeated patterns of scars on the skin, often in clusters or lines
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Fresh cuts, bruises, scratches, bite marks, or other unexplained wounds on the body
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Keeping objects like knives, razors, or other sharp tools readily available for self-harm
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Wearing long sleeves or pants, even in hot weather, to hide injuries or scars
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Consistently claiming injuries are accidental when they may seem suspicious or inconsistent
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Strained relationships or difficulty maintaining connections with others
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Patterns of unexplained bleeding or finding blood stains on clothing, bedding, or towels without a clear cause
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Emotional instability or sudden, unpredictable changes in behavior that seem impulsive or out of character
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Frequently missing school, work, or social obligations without clear explanations or reasoning​
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Requesting to be left alone for extended periods, withdrawing from social interactions or activities
Random Acts of Kindness Week
February 16-23
There’s never a wrong time to be kind, but during Random Acts of Kindness Week, we encourage you to get involved in meaningful activities that make a positive impact in your community and beyond. Ask yourself, “How can I brighten someone’s day?” Whether through big gestures or small acts, kindness not only spreads love but also reduces stress, boosts oxytocin, enhances confidence and self-esteem, and lifts mood, helping to ease depression and anxiety.​
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Random Acts of Kindness to Perform this February
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Send a heartfelt gratitude email or letter to someone who has made a significant impact on your life, such as a mentor, family member, or colleague
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Drop off a fresh set of flowers to a friend going through a rough time
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Spend an afternoon volunteering in your community (check out volunteer opportunities here)
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Give a friendly note to an essential worker, like a first responder, janitor, or nurse
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Compliment the first five strangers you see one morning
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Cook a special meal for your loved ones to show them how much you care
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Donate gently used clothes to a local charity in need
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Pay for the person behind you in line or leave extra change in the tip jar
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​Offer to help a neighbor by picking up groceries or walking their dog.
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Send a care package to soldiers overseas to show your support and gratitude
Mental Wellness Month
January
What better way to kick off the year than by celebrating Mental Wellness Month—a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share valuable resources for mental health and well-being? This January we encourage you to take proactive steps toward enhancing your mental health, seek support when needed, and cultivate habits that foster a positive mindset and overall well-being.​​
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Ways to Celebrate Mental Wellness Month this January
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Commit to one of yourhealthybrainmatters.com's 5 resolutions to elevate your mental health in 2025
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Find a new hobby that helps you de-stress or disconnect from screens
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Create a vision board, outlining goals and aspirations for the year ahead
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Find a way to give back to your community, through volunteering or supporting a local charity
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Prioritize nutrition, nourishing your body and mind with brain-boosting food choices
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Take steps to educate yourself on health and wellness through articles, podcasts, or books
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Schedule time for self-care, including nature walks, meditation, relaxing baths, or reading
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Declutter or reorganize a space in your house, such as your desk, bedroom, or kitchen
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Look for ways to practice small acts of kindness in your everyday life
Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month
December
​Approximately 5% of the American population experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to seasonal changes. The symptoms of SAD closely resemble those of typical depression but are typically confined to the fall and winter months, often improving with the arrival of spring and summer. This December, take the time to recognize the signs and symptoms of SAD and explore ways to reduce your risk.
Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder​​​
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Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities or hobbies
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Feeling sluggish, or struggling to get out of bed most days
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Experiencing feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
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Irregular irritability and mood swings
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Increased cravings for carbohydrates, overeating, and other changes in appetite and weight
Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder​​
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Increase the time you spend in natural sunlight with "sun breaks" built in throughout the day, or consider investing in a light therapy box
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Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day
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Eat a balanced diet to boost brain health and mood
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Prioritize spending time with friends and reach out to loved ones for support
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Maintain a consistent sleep schedule with 7-9 hours of sleep per night
Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month
November
In each stage of development---from infancy to adolescence---children develop emotionally, learn to navigate challenges, and develop skills that have the potential to impact their well-being for years to come. Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that it's never too early to prioritize a child's mental health. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), around 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by the age of 14. By prioritizing mental health from an early age, we can help children build a strong foundation for resilience, growth, and lifelong well-being.
Ways to Support Your Child's Mental Health this November ​​
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Model and reinforce healthy habits, including self-care, stress management, and healthy conflict resolution
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Offer nutritious food options, such as whole grains, leafy greens, and nuts
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Encourage real-life interaction over screen time
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Establish consistent routines for activities like school, mealtime, and bedtime
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Teach age-appropriate coping strategies, including journaling and mindfulness
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Watch for changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, withdrawal from family, or changes in eating habits
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Encourage open and judgement-free communication
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Support hobbies and forms of creative expression, such as music, art, or athletics
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Teach emotional vocabulary, helping your child express feelings in a healthy way
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Create a safe and supportive home environment where your child feels comfortable and valued
Mental Illness Awareness Week
October 6-12
One in five people in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. In 2023, that meant over 60 million individuals facing mental health challenges, with a ripple effect on countless friends and family members. Every October, we observe Mental Health Awareness Week alongside World Mental Health Day (10/10) to shed light on the impact of mental illness and the devastating toll it takes on individuals and communities alike. This week—and every day—let’s commit to prioritizing mental health.
Ways to Support Your Mental Health this October​
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Create a mental health toolkit with healthy habits, support resources, and self-care practices
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Set healthy boundaries; remember, it's okay to say no to prioritize your well-being
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Set aside time each day for self-care, whether that's activities like reading or enjoying a leisurely walk
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Limit time on social media and prioritize face-to-face interaction
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Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day
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Spend time with loved ones and reach out to long-distance family and friends
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Practice gratitude by taking time each day to acknowledge what you are thankful for
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Fuel your body with at least eight hours of sleep each night and brain-boosting foods
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Look for ways to help others in your daily life; consider volunteering!
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Work to surround yourself with positivity, whether that's friends, media, podcasts, music, or books
Suicide Prevention Month
September
In 2022, 13.2 million people seriously thought about suicide in the U.S. alone. Of those, 3.8 million created a plan to take their own lives. 1.6 attempted, and over 49,000 people were successful. Each September, during Suicide Prevention Month, we come together to raise awareness, reduce these heartbreaking numbers, and remind those struggling that they are never alone. It’s a time to foster understanding, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and provide resources for those in need of hope and support.
Accessible Resources for Suicide Prevention​​
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National Hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Hotline (Call 988) and Crisis Text Line (741-741)
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Therapy and Counseling Services: BetterHelp and Talkspace
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Coping and Self-Care Apps: Calm Harm and Headspace
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Online Resources: Suicide Prevention Resource Center and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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Community Support: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and 7 Cups
National Wellness Month
August
August is National Wellness Month, a month dedicated to promoting overall wellness, including mental health. During this month, we're reminded of the importance of self-care, healthy habits, and stress management, as a way to support overall well-being. This August, work on developing healthy practices, and reflect on habits that could be detrimental to your well-being.
Ways to Celebrate National Wellness Month​​
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Support your physical well-being by getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day
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Prioritize sleep, aiming for 8 hours a night
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Maintain a healthy and balanced diet that hits all of the major food groups
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Try out a "digital detox," where you limit or completely remove screen time
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Reach out to a loved one you haven't spoken to in a long time
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Establish a weekly self-care routine, featuring activities like yoga, meditation, and journaling
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Seek out volunteer opportunities with organizations that speak to your values
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Try something creative, like a painting, writing, or a new hobby that challenges your brain
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Create a vision board outlining your hopes, dreams, and goals for the future
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Learn a new stress management technique you'll utilize in a time of need
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
(AKA Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness Month)
July
​Each July, we celebrate National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month as a way to honor the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate, and to bring awareness to the unique mental health challenges facing black, Indigenous, and other people of color. This month serves as a way to not only raise awareness, but also highlight disparities, advocate for resources, and reduce stigma.
Why is BIPOC Mental Health Month Needed?
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Prevalence of mental health issues
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Lack of access to mental health care
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Underrepresentation in the mental health field
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Impact of discrimination and racism on mental health
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Ways to Participate
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Support BIPOC mental health professionals
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Educate yourself on the unique mental health issues facing BIPOC
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Advocate for policy change supporting equitable access to mental health resources
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Volunteer or donate to a non-profit or organization working to reduce mental health issues in BIPOC communities
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Speak out against racism and discrimination in your schools, workplaces, and larger community
Men's Mental Health Awareness Month
June
​June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a critical time to recognize the unique mental health challenges faced by men. Compared to women, men are significantly less likely to seek mental health treatment, and alarmingly, they account for 80% of all suicides. For these reasons and more, there is a need to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and provide support for men’s mental health this June.
Here are some ways to participate in Men's Mental Health Awareness Month:​
For men:
1. Prioritize your mental health and well-being by practicing self-care
2. Educate yourself on the prevalence and signs of mental illness
3. Attend a mental health event, workshop, or panel designed specifically for men
4. Get a mental health screening or meet with a counselor or therapist to work towards improving mental health
5. Reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health by making a commitment to speak out against harmful stereotypes and practice healthy mental health techniques
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For anyone:
1. Educate yourself by learning about the common mental health challenges that affect men
2. Support a charity, organization, or group working to spread awareness for men’s mental health (ex. The Face It Foundation, HeadsUpGuys)
3. Reach out and support the men in your life by starting conversations about mental health
4. Avoid stigmatizing language and phrases like “Just man up” that can dismiss valid emotions
5. Share resources about mental health resources, hotlines, and support groups available for men
Mental Health Awareness Month
May
Each May, we observe and celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month as a way to destigmatize and raise awareness for mental health. According to the National Institute of Health, one in every five US adults currently lives with a mental health condition. This May, let's practice positive mental health practices, share mental health resources, and learn how to support those struggling with mental illness.
Here are some ways you can participate in Mental Health Awareness Month:​
1. Educate yourself on an unfamiliar mental health topic
2. Check in on the mental state of your loved ones
3. Support a mental health organization by donating or volunteering
4. Try out a new mental health podcast or book
5. Practice gratitude each day by writing down five things you are thankful for
6. Attend an awareness walk or another event fundraising for mental health
7. Support a mental health influencer on social media
8. Develop good self-care habits
9. Hand out green ribbons in your community in honor of mental health awareness
10. Share a mental health post!
